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MIDWOOD, Kings County, N.Y., Oct. 5, 2026 — A livery driver died and his passenger was critically hurt after a three-vehicle crash early Sunday morning, October 4, on Ocean Parkway at Avenue S in Midwood. Police say the driver who caused the wreck fled on foot after abandoning his car.
The crash happened around 12:10 a.m., according to investigators. A southbound Audi A5 reportedly struck the rear of a Toyota Camry, sending it into a spin that then hit a Toyota RAV4. The Audi and the Camry both ended up crashing into trees along the parkway.
The 62-year-old Camry driver was taken to Maimonides Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. He has been identified by officials as Yaya Dia. A 39-year-old passenger riding in the back seat suffered critical neck and back injuries and was rushed to a hospital. The RAV4's 25-year-old driver had minor injuries.
Investigators said the Audi's driver left the vehicle at the scene and took its license plates with him before fleeing. He has not been found. Witnesses told police more than one person had been riding in the Audi, and that part of the investigation remains open.
We offer our deepest sympathy to the family of the victim.
How Investigators Piece Together a Hit-And-Run Crash
When a driver flees before police arrive, investigators have to work backward from what's left at the scene. That usually starts with physical evidence: skid marks, debris fields, damaged guardrails or trees, and any parts left behind, like the discarded vehicle itself in this case. Officers measure and photograph everything before it's towed, because that scene can't be recreated later.
Surveillance footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, and doorbell cameras often becomes central to identifying a vehicle or driver who left the scene. Investigators also interview witnesses separately to compare accounts, since memories of a fast-moving crash can vary. If a car is abandoned without plates, as police say happened here, detectives may trace it through its vehicle identification number, registration history, or paint and parts records.
Toxicology results, if relevant, and a full crash reconstruction report can take weeks to finalize. Officials typically hold back a deceased victim's name until next of kin has been formally notified, which can add a delay between a crash and when the public record is complete. None of that reflects uncertainty about what happened. It reflects the time it takes to do the work correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does seat belt use matter so much in crashes like this?
A seat belt keeps a person from being thrown forward or sideways into a dashboard, window, or another occupant when a vehicle is struck or spins out. In multi-vehicle crashes with sudden impacts, belted occupants are far more likely to survive serious collisions than unbelted ones.
What should families do after a fatal crash?
Families are usually asked to designate a contact person for the investigating agency and can request a copy of the police report once it's finalized. Many also reach out to the medical examiner's office directly with questions about autopsy timing or personal effects.
How are fatal crashes like this investigated, and how long does it take?
Police typically combine scene evidence, camera footage, and witness statements with mechanical inspection of the vehicles involved. A complete report, especially one involving a driver who fled, can take several weeks to months depending on lab results and whether a suspect is identified.
What to Do After a Hit-And-Run Crash in Midwood, New York
If you're involved in or witness a hit-and-run, try to note anything you can about the fleeing vehicle, color, make, partial plate, direction of travel, without putting yourself at risk. Call 911 immediately and stay on scene if it's safe to do so until officers arrive.
Anyone involved should be medically evaluated even if injuries seem minor at first; adrenaline can mask pain from neck, back, or internal injuries for hours. Keep copies of any police report numbers, medical records, and photos of the scene, since these details often matter later in insurance or investigative follow-up.
If you have information about a hit-and-run, including dash-cam or doorbell footage from the area, local police encourage tipsters to come forward, even anonymously.
